Climate Beneficial Wool and Regenerative Hemp are two fibers for fashion and homeware which are created through regenerative agriculture. When these fibers are paired with their local , the artisan production of these garment supports the local community the fiber stems from, creating fashion which is truly circular and even Climate Beneficial™.
Regenerative fashion integrates fibers produced through Regenerative farming. When these fibers are paired with their local , the artisan production of these garment supports the local community the fiber stems from, creating fashion which is truly circular and even Climate Beneficial™.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE FARMING?
Regenerative farming or regenerative agriculture is a type of land stewardship that protects soil life while ensuring plants, animals, humans, wildlife, and the environment can thrive within an agricultural system. This type of farming also reverses the effects of climate breakdown and global heating by keeping carbon out of our atmospheres and oceans, and inside the soil instead. This type of farming is Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and follows wisdom gathered from land stewards around the world.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE FASHION?
In order to create regenerative fashion, a brand must source regeneratively farmed fibers into its collections. They can do this by using natural fibers that are grown in a way that draws carbon down into the soil through cultivation. To discuss this future view of regenerative farming and fashion, as it relates to regenerative hemp and Climate Beneficial™ regenerative wool, I’ve shared Fibreshed’s regenerative textile systems below.
WHAT IS REGENERATIVE HEMP?
Hemp is amongst the most magical plants on this planet, the whole plant has more than 50,000 uses. In fact, hemp is so diverse that you can eat it, wear it, make beauty products with it, extract CBD from it, replace plastics with its bioplastics, build your house and everything inside it with it, and built / fuel your car with it.
When grown responsibly and respectfully, hemp’s strong root system helps protect against soil erosion and flood. In addition, through its natural closed carbon cycle, hemp draws carbon down to be sequestered in the soil, which contributes to reversing global heating and climate breakdown.
Regenerative Hemp can grow almost anywhere, even in dry regions, and isn’t picky about what type of soil it gestates itself in. It has a short growing season (as short as 90 days, compared to cotton’s 9 months), it requires no pesticides or irrigation, naturally fends of weeds and pests without agrochemicals, and is happily fed by rain, meaning it needs little to no irrigation.
When grown regeneratively, the process works in symbiosis with living things above and below ground.
Because regenerative farming practices harvest hemp while leaving the roots in the ground, the plant continues to protect the soil from desertification even once cultivated. Allowing the organisms that have made their home within its roots to continue to thrive.
WHAT IS CLIMATE BENEFICIAL WOOL?
Climate Beneficial™ wool is created through regenerative agriculture, and as a part of a regenerative plant fiber system. In the Fibreshed system, once the hemp has been harvested, regenerative farmers invite sheep to graze on the stubble left over. Once grazed, the farmer layers compost on the field so the soil is covered and protected. After, the farmer plants a cover crop. Ensuring the soil life is fed and carbon is kept in the ground.
Once the cover crop has grown, the sheep are invited again to feast. Grazing it down to a stubble so the hemp can be planted again.
This is also where Climate Beneficial™ organic wool comes in. Because when sheep work in symbiosis with the natural order of things, they draw down more carbon dioxide than they emit. As a result of these carbon farming practices, sheep help enhance the soils carbon storage. Producing wool with a net carbon benefit, which happens holistically and ethically.
When hemp and wool move through regional fibres systems – which are also powered by local renewable energy – the fibres become both Climate Beneficial™ and carbon negative. Offering a completely place-based, regenerative fashion system.
As a result, we have hope. With farm-to-fashion shaping the future of fashion. Creating systems which reverse global warming, create jobs, protect land, and work in symbiosis with the natural order of things. As mama nature intended, protecting all her kin.
Climate Beneficial™ REGENERATIVE WOOL BRANDS
BRISTOL CLOTH (UK)
Bristol Cloth has created a collection from regeneratively farmed wool, produced at Fernhill Farm, dyed with organic plant dyes from Botanical Inks, and woven by the Bristol Weaving Mill.
ITALIA A COLLECTION (‘USA’)
Italia A Collection has produced a collection of pieces made with Climate Beneficial™ wool from Lani’s Lana, in partnership with California.
COYUCHI (‘USA’)
Coyuchi recently expanded their Climate Beneficial™ Wool collection, created in collaboration with Northern California’s regenerative ranchers, to include wool blankets, beanies, gloves, scarves, bedding, and dryer balls.
NORTH FACE (‘USA’)
Northface partnered with Fibershed to craft goods made of Climate Beneficial™ wool from Bare Ranch in California.
GYNNA MADE (‘USA’)
100% Regenerative wool from Meridian Jacobs, handmade in Northern California on an antique circular sock knitting machine. Each item is beautiful, functional, reusable, and limited edition.
BO RAGE (‘USA’)
Borage’s collection is knit and spin using local regeneratively farmed fibers, and dyed with natural dyes like onion skin, madder root, indigo.
MERIDIAN JACOBS (‘USA’)
Meridian Jacobs sells fiber from fleece through finished goods made on her farm. Weaving goods from her own locally grown regenerative wool.
HARVEST & MILL (‘USA’)
Creating a jacket from Fibershed’s Climate Beneficial™Wool, Harvest & Mill produces each piece made-to-order in Berkeley, California. They also use USA-grown organic cotton for their tees, socks and casual wear.
LAURA’S LOOM (‘UK’)
Using Bluefaced Leicester fleece from the UK Regenerative Farm, Hilltop Farm, Lauras creates beautiful scarves, blankets and socks inspired by the stunning Yorkshire Dales Landscape.
PEGGY SUE (‘CANADA’)
Creating with Canadian heritage wool from Upper Canada Fibreshed, Peggy Sue is creating clothing and accessories in support of Canadian Regenerative Farmers and artisans.
REGENERATIVE HEMP BRANDS
CALIFORNIA CLOTH FOUNDRY (‘USA’)
California Cloth Foundry has created its brand to revolve around regenerative fibers and regeneratively grown dyes. Their collection includes American Regenerative Hemp, Cleaner Cotton™, and Lani’s Lana’s climate beneficial regenerative wool. Signs of a truly Healthy Wardrobe®.
BACKYARD BORO (‘CANADA’)
Backyard Boro creates each upcycled one-of-a-kind garment from restored natural fibers. Each item is dyed with herbs and plants regeneratively grown in their garden.
Want to learn more about Fibershed’s Regenerative Fashion?
*all the above knowledge is thanks to Indigenous Peoples wisdom, as well as the good work by @fibershed and @kisstheground
Leave a Reply